Political analyst Dr. Levy Ndou has urged the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to address its supporters directly regarding the alleged exclusion of senior member Mbuyiseni Ndlozi from attending the party’s elective conference scheduled for December. This move, shrouded in speculation, has raised concerns about potential rifts within the party, already grappling with internal challenges.
The EFF’s recent decline in electoral support has compounded worries over internal divisions. In the May general elections, the party’s share of the vote fell to 9.52%, positioning it as the fourth largest party behind the newly emerged MK Party. The exodus of senior leaders has further fueled concerns that the party’s internal dynamics could lead to additional setbacks in the coming elections.
Reports suggest that Dr. Ndlozi was excluded from the party’s activities without an explanation, a decision that has sparked questions about transparency and accountability. Dr. Ndou believes this issue demands urgent attention from the EFF leadership, as it risks alienating both supporters and members.
Dr. Ndou warns that failing to justify the sidelining of a prominent figure like Dr. Ndlozi could exacerbate divisions within the EFF.
“If you prevent a person like Dr. Ndlozi from attending the National People’s Assembly, you should have very, very good and convincing reasons why you have done so. Because people in and outside the EFF could interpret that differently, and if such has the potential to create unnecessary dissatisfaction and indeed divisions within the party, you should therefore be able to have a very good strategy to be able to explain that to the constituency of the party,” says Dr. Ndou.
Dr. Ndou stresses that the leadership must proactively address these issues to prevent dissent from festering. The decision not to include Ndlozi at such a critical event could send conflicting messages to both the party’s members and the broader public.
Adding to the complexity, Ndlozi’s growing influence within the EFF, particularly among its younger members, has sparked speculation about his future role in the party. According to Dr. Ndou, Ndlozi’s support base may lead to his nomination for the position of Deputy President following Floyd Shivambu’s departure. However, this prospect appears to have unsettled some within the party leadership.
“Another factor in my view that is quite important is that Dr. Ndlozi appears to be having a lot of support among some sections of the EFF and in the main, the young members of the EFF and that is why his name has been proposed to become the deputy of the CIC, Mr. Malema. These are the kind of issues that if not properly handled by the leadership of the party, can create conflict which could have serious and negative implications,” Dr. Ndou explains.
The perceived sidelining of Ndlozi, combined with these broader leadership challenges, has the potential to disrupt the cohesion of the EFF. Analysts like Dr. Ndou believe the party must tread carefully, ensuring clear communication and a united front to avoid alienating its base or damaging its image further.
The exclusion of a high-profile member such as Dr. Ndlozi could have far-reaching consequences, particularly given the timing ahead of an elective conference. For a party already facing questions about its future direction and electoral viability, such internal disagreements could undermine its ability to project stability and unity.
As the EFF navigates these challenges, it remains critical for the leadership to communicate openly with its members and supporters. The broader political landscape demands that the party not only address its internal divisions but also present a cohesive vision to retain its relevance on the national stage.
